What Can Separate Us?

Words like those in Romans 8:35-39 tend to come to mind and comfort us in deep hardship, like when facing death, demons, uncertain futures, and the depths suffering.

But it isn’t just the “negatives” of life we feel keep us from God.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?…..

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Life, angels, the ordinary, happy present, and the heights of creation are all able to form wedges between us and the love of God. Yet all these “positives” are no match for the glory of our Lord.

Even the best of days cannot separate us from the love of God.

1. Life nor Death

Can life test our faith as much as death? Yes. We are so easily caught up in our busy schedules, our desires, and the many things we consider important. Excessive focus on life in this world so quickly leads us from a right perspective of God. Solomon had it right: “everything under the sun is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Everything under God, however, is worthwhile. “Life” as we live it cannot get in the way of His love.

2. Angels nor Demons

Heavenly beings and influences, like miracles or specific calls on our lives, so often bewilder and beguile us. Our righteousness and spiritual blessings, just as much as our encounters with evil, can be twisted to divert our praise and confuse our goals. But God’s steadfast love will withstand even through the ups and downs of spiritual experiences.

3. Present nor Future

For the worriers of the world, the future is always an ominous fear. For the dreamers of the world, the present is never quite satisfying. Each of us with our unique personality and outlook is easily swayed in some way by the perception of time. Our Lord set time in motion and is sovereign over all things in all times, whether we find the season good or bad (Genesis 1, 2 Peter 3:8).

4. Height nor Depth

Sharing “highs and lows” is popular in youth groups. Everyone understands the basic concept: some things in life are “highs” –they are great and exciting. Others are “lows”- full of pain and difficulty. Our Lord isn’t just with us and active when we recognize that we need Him in the “depths” of life. He is at work in the “highs”. Praise the Lord that no matter how great things seem, we are never separated from the giver of all good things (James 1:17).

Truly nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord –not the worst of times, and certainly not the best of times.

God doesn’t just show up in our tragedies, like a bad weather friend. God delights in raising up as His children through our most glorious moments and seasons too.

Perhaps most awe-worthy of all: if nothing horrible and nothing extraordinary can separate us from the love of God, nothing in between can either.

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12 Replies to “What Can Separate Us?”

I love your thoughts here, Bethany. So profound and inspiring! You have an incredible mind for unpacking the truths of Scripture! I hope you see that and that God moves you further into ventures involving that gift. Have a blessed week!

I’ve never thought of these verse in that way but it’s so true that it’s not only the bad things that can come between us and God. I’m thankful that his love is greater than it all and nothing can truly separate us.

I’ve always liked this scripture verse because it brings me such hope in knowing that nothing and no one can separate His love from me. He loves us unconditionally and without limits. It’s our hope to hold on to. Thank you for these encouraging words. (Stopping by from #HeartEncouragement)